Barrel Plugs for Safety and Protection of Barrels of Airsoft Rifles and Airguns

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to barrel plugs for airsoft rifles and/or airguns, preferably barrel plugs that can be secured to an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun through a threaded connection and that can close a barrel of the airsoft rifle and/or the airgun through a closer held by a threaded connection.

1.0 FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to plugs to secure and protect a barrel of an airsoft rifle or an airgun.

2.0 BACKGROUND

Airsoft rifles and airguns discharge projectiles through their barrels. The end of a barrel can also serve as an entry point for dirt and thereby interfere with the safe and reliable operation of an airsoft rifle and an airgun. A secure and reliable means to prevent entry of dirt into the barrel would be highly useful. Such an effective means to protect a barrel against dirt from entering could also provide an effective means of rendering an airsoft rifle and an airgun safe against any accidental discharge.

The present invention describes barrel plugs that provide easy and effective means for securing an airsoft rifle and an airgun by closing its barrel while not in use.

3.0 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to barrel plugs for an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun. In certain embodiments, a barrel plug of the present invention comprises a closer. In certain embodiments, a barrel plug of the present invention comprises an adapter.

In certain embodiments, a closer of a barrel plug of the present invention is designed to facilitate attachment of the closer to a barrel of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun, thereby closing the end of the barrel substantially or entirely. In certain embodiments, a closer of a barrel plug of the present invention is designed to facilitate attachment of the closer to an adapter of the current invention, preferably an adapter that can be attached to a barrel of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun, thereby closing the end of the barrel substantially or entirely. In certain embodiments, a closer of a barrel plug of the present invention is designed to facilitate attachment of the closer to a separate component, for example, a flash hider, a muzzle device, or another component, wherein the separate component can be attached to a barrel of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun, thereby closing the end of the barrel substantially or entirely.

In certain embodiments, a closer of a barrel plug of the present invention comprises an attachment feature designed to facilitate attachment of the closer to a barrel, an adapter, and/or a separate component. An attachment feature of a closer of the current invention, in certain embodiments, comprises a threaded section, a pin, a lock, a snap, or some other type of attachment feature.

In certain embodiments, an adapter of a barrel plug of the present invention comprises an attachment feature designed to facilitate attachment of the adapter to a barrel, a closer and/or a separate component. An attachment feature of an adapter of the current invention, in certain embodiments, comprises a threaded section, a pin, a lock, a snap, or some other type of attachment feature.

In certain embodiments, the invention includes methods for protecting a barrel of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun by attaching a barrel plug of the current invention.

4.0 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is better understood with reference to the accompanying figures. The appended figures are included solely for purposes of illustrating a few of the many embodiments of the current invention. It is understood that multiple embodiments of the current invention are not shown in the appended figures but are within the scope of the current invention.

FIG. 1A-1B: FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an adapter 1 according to certain embodiments of the invention. FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of a closer 4 according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 : FIG. 2 shows the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the closer 4 secured to the adapter 1 and the adapter 1 secured to a barrel 8.

FIG. 3A-3B: FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of an adapter 9 according to certain embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of a closer 12 according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4A-4B: FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of an adapter 15 according to certain embodiments of the invention. FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of a closer 18 according to certain embodiments of the invention.

5.0 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to barrel plugs for at least one or more of an airsoft rifle and an airgun. A barrel plug of the current invention, in certain embodiments, improves protection and safety of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun. In certain embodiments, a barrel plug of the current invention comprises a closer and/or an adapter.

In certain embodiments, a closer of a barrel plug of the present invention is designed to facilitate attachment of the closer to a barrel of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun, thereby closing the end of the barrel substantially or entirely. A closer of the current invention, in certain embodiments, can be attached to a barrel to impede or substantially impede entry and exit of objects to and from the barrel, for example, the entry of dirt and/or the exit of a projectile. In certain embodiments, a closer of a barrel plug of the present invention is designed to facilitate direct or indirect attachment of the closer to a barrel of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun, for example, direct attachment with the closer contacting the barrel or indirect attachment with another component between the closer and the barrel, said another component being, for example at least one of an adapter or a separate component. As used herein, the term “firearm” shall mean one or more of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun.

In certain embodiments, a closer of a barrel plug of the present invention is designed to facilitate attachment of the closer to an adapter of the current invention, preferably an adapter that can be attached to a barrel of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun. A closer of the current invention, in certain embodiments, can be attached to an adapter of the current invention, and said adapter can be attached to a barrel, thereby impeding or substantially impeding entry and exit of objects to and from the barrel, for example, the entry of dirt and/or the exit of a projectile. In certain embodiments, an adapter of the current invention cannot impede or substantially impede entry and exit of objects to and from the barrel, for example, the entry of dirt and/or the exit of a projectile, when the adapter is attached to a barrel.

In certain embodiments, a closer of a barrel plug of the present invention is designed to facilitate attachment of the closer to a separate component, for example, a flash hider, a muzzle device, or another component, wherein the separate component can be attached to a barrel of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun, thereby closing the end of the barrel substantially or entirely.

In certain embodiments, a closer of a barrel plug of the present invention comprises an attachment feature designed to facilitate attachment of the closer to a barrel, an adapter, and/or a separate component. An attachment feature of a closer of the current invention, in certain embodiments, comprises at least one of a threaded section, a pin, a lock, a snap, and/or some other type of attachment feature. An attachment feature of a closer of the current invention, in certain embodiments, facilitates attachment in a reversible manner and with sufficient strength to substantially enhance safety and/or protection of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun.

An attachment feature of a closer of the current invention, in certain embodiments, comprises a positive thread, a negative thread, a thread of any dimension, for example, a dimension of 8 millimeter (mm), or 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 mm, or any other dimension in diameter.

In certain embodiments, an adapter of a barrel plug of the present invention comprises an attachment feature designed to facilitate attachment of the adapter to a barrel, a closer and/or a separate component. In certain embodiments, an adapter of a barrel plug of the present invention comprises more than one attachment features, for example two attachment features, to facilitate attachment of the adapter to a barrel of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun and to a closer of the current invention. In certain preferred embodiments, a barrel can be attached to one end of an adapter of the invention, and a closer can be attached to another end of the adapter. An attachment feature of an adapter of the current invention, in certain embodiments, comprises at least one of a threaded section, a pin, a lock, a snap, and/or some other type of attachment feature.

An attachment feature of an adapter of the current invention, in certain embodiments, comprises a positive thread, a negative thread, a thread of any dimension, for example, a dimension of 8 millimeter (mm), or 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 mm, or any other dimension in diameter.

The appended figures show non-exhaustive and non-limiting examples of barrel plugs according to certain embodiments of the current invention. FIG. 1A shows an adapter 1 according to certain embodiments, which can be attached to a closer 4 according to certain embodiments, shown in FIG. 1B. The adapter 1 shown in FIG. 1A can be secured to a barrel of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun through a threaded connection 2. The threaded connection 2 (threading not shown) of the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 1A can be fitted for securement onto any airsoft rifle and/or airgun, for example by adjusting the diameter of the adapter 1 and/or by adjusting the threading of the connection 2. The closer 4 shown in FIG. 1B can be secured to an adapter 1 shown in FIG. 1A through a thread 5 at an end 3 of the adapter 1. The end 3 of the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 1A is threaded to fit the thread 5 of the closer 4 and to allow securement of the closer 4 shown in FIG. 1B. The closer 4 shown in FIG. 1B comprises a handle 6.

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A-1B with the closer 4 secured to the adapter 1 through a threaded connection 5 (and at 3 in the adapter 1). The adapter 1, according to this embodiment, is connected to a barrel 8 through a threaded connection 7 of the barrel and the threaded connection 2 of the adapter 1. Also shown in this embodiment is a handle 6.

FIG. 3A shows an adapter 9 according to certain embodiments. The adapter 9 can be attached to a closer 12 shown in FIG. 3B according to certain embodiments. The adapter 9 shown in FIG. 3A can be secured to a barrel of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun through a threaded connection 10 (threading not visible). The threaded connection 10 of the adapter 9 shown in FIG. 3A can be fitted for securement onto any airsoft rifle and/or airgun, for example by adjusting the diameter of the adapter 9 and/or by adjusting the threading in the threaded connection 10. The closer 12 shown in FIG. 3B can be secured through a thread 13 to an adapter 9 shown in FIG. 3A at the distal end 11 of the adapter 9. The distal end 11 of the adapter 9 shown in FIG. 3A is threaded to allow securement of the closer 12 shown in FIG. 3B. The closer 12 shown in FIG. 3B comprises a handle 14.

FIG. 4A shows an adapter 15 according to certain embodiments, which can be attached to a closer 18 shown in FIG. 4B according to certain embodiments. The adapter 15 shown in FIG. 4A can be secured to a barrel of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun through a threaded connection 16 (threading not shown). The threaded connection 16 of the adapter 15 shown in FIG. 4A can be fitted for securement onto any airsoft rifle and/or airgun, for example by adjusting the diameter of the adapter 15 and/or by adjusting the threading in the threaded connection 16. The closer 18 shown in FIG. 4B can be secured to an adapter 15 shown in FIG. 4A through a thread 19 at the distal end 17 of the adapter 15. The distal end 17 of the adapter 15 shown in FIG. 4A is threaded to allow securement of the closer 18 shown in FIG. 4B. The closer 18 shown in FIG. 4B comprises a handle 20.

In certain embodiments, a closer of the current invention can be made of any material of sufficient strength and durability, or of a combination of materials, for example, two, three, four, five, or more materials. Non-exhaustive examples of materials for making a closer of the current invention are a metal, a light metal, a steel, iron, aluminum, an amalgam, a plastic, a hard plastic, or any other known material used in the field of firearms and/or accessories for firearms.

In certain embodiments, an adapter of the current invention can be made of any material of sufficient strength and durability, or of a combination of materials, for example, two, three, four, five, or more materials. Non-exhaustive examples of materials for making an adapter of the current invention are a metal, a light metal, a steel, iron, aluminum, an amalgam, a plastic, a hard plastic, or any other known material used in the field of firearms and/or accessories for firearms.

A barrel plug of the current invention, in certain embodiments, can be used to secure and/or protect an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun, preferably a barrel of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun. A method for using a barrel plug of the current invention, in certain embodiments, comprises fitting a barrel plug of the current invention for use on an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun of interest. A method for using a barrel plug of the current invention, in certain embodiments, comprises securing a barrel plug of the current invention onto a barrel of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun of interest. A method for using a barrel plug of the current invention, in certain embodiments, comprises protecting an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun by securing a barrel plug of the current invention onto a barrel of said airsoft rifle and/or said airgun.

A method for protecting an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun of the current invention, in certain embodiments, comprises attaching a barrel plug of the current invention onto a barrel of said airsoft rifle and/or said airgun. A method for securing an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun of the current invention, in certain embodiments, comprises attaching a barrel plug of the current invention onto a barrel of said airsoft rifle and/or said airgun.

A barrel plug of the current invention, in certain embodiments, can be made by 3 d printing, injection molding, machining, die-cutting, and/or stamping, or any other method known in the art. In certain embodiments, a barrel plug of the current invention is made by plastic injection molding, for example, directly from a sample drawing. In certain embodiments, a barrel plug of the invention is made by CNC machining from billet steel or aluminum. In certain embodiments, a barrel plug of the invention is made by die-cutting from sheet steel, preferably followed by stamping into a final form.

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein, which are intended as single illustrations of individual aspects of the invention, and functionally equivalent methods and components are within the scope of the invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention, in addition to those shown and described herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. All publications, including patent documents and scientific articles, referred to in this application and the bibliography and attachments are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication were individually incorporated by reference. The article “a” as used herein means one or more unless indicated otherwise. All headings are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of the text that follows the heading, unless so specified. 

1. A barrel plug for an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun comprising a closer and an adapter; wherein the closer comprises an attachment feature; wherein the attachment feature comprises a threaded section; wherein the closer is capable of being attached to the adapter, and wherein the adapter is capable of being attached to a barrel of the airsoft rifle and/or the airgun.
 2. The barrel plug according to claim 1, wherein the closer is capable of being secured onto the adapter through the threaded connection.
 3. The barrel plug according to claim 1, wherein the adapter is capable of being secured onto the barrel through a threaded connection.
 4. The barrel plug according to claim 1, wherein the closer comprises a handle.
 5. A barrel plug for an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun comprising a closer; wherein the closer is capable of being secured directly or indirectly to a barrel of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun; wherein the closer comprises an attachment feature; wherein the attachment feature comprises a threaded section.
 6. The barrel plug according to claim 5, wherein the closer is capable of being secured onto the barrel through the threaded connection.
 7. The barrel plug according to claim 5, wherein the closer is being secured onto at least one of an adapter and a separate component, and wherein the at least one of an adapter and a separate component is capable of being secured onto a barrel of the airsoft rifle and/or the airgun.
 8. The barrel plug according to claim 7, wherein the at least one of an adapter and a separate component is being secured onto the barrel through a threaded connection.
 9. The barrel plug according to claim 5, wherein the closer comprises a handle.
 10. A method for protecting an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun comprising securing a barrel plug directly or indirectly to a barrel of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun, said barrel plug comprising a closer; wherein the closer is capable of being secured directly or indirectly to a barrel of an airsoft rifle and/or an airgun; wherein the closer comprises an attachment feature; wherein the attachment feature comprises a threaded section.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the closer is capable of being secured onto the barrel through the threaded connection.
 12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the closer is being secured onto at least one of an adapter and a separate component, and wherein the at least one of an adapter and a separate component is capable of being secured onto a barrel of the airsoft rifle and/or the airgun.
 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the at least one of an adapter and a separate component is being secured onto the barrel through a threaded connection.
 14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the closer comprises a handle. 